FC releases Final Ranking for 2012 NHL Draft

The final count is in – Nail Yakupov is the king of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

The crowning of the Sarnia Sting standout shouldn’t come as a surprise after Yakupov never relinquished his position as the elite performer in the 2012 draft class throughout the season. Yakupov isn’t alone though. He’s kept close company with teammate Alex Galchenyuk, who is ranked second heading into the draft next month.

It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to think either Mikhail Grigorenko or Filip Forsberg could have that honour as well. The duo are ranked fourth and fifth respectively.

In what many have proclaimed the year of the defenseman, Ryan Murray could be the first name called on draft day by the Edmonton Oilers, who won the lottery and will have the top pick in Pittsburgh. With most projecting the Oilers’ need on the blueline, the Everett Silvertips defenseman who is ranked third overall could be the first out of the stands on draft day.

Murray wont be the only defenseman selected early in the draft. Jacob Trouba, Griffin Reinhart, Morgan Rielly and Mathew Dumba are all ranked in the top-10, while Cody Ceci and Derrick Pouliot are both knocking on the door as well.